Yes, but under certain conditions
Under what conditions?
A tree removal permit is not required when removing a tree;
- With a height less than four (4.0) metres or a girth less than half (0.5) metre measured at a point one (1.0) metres above ground level.
- Trees listed as noxious weeds by the Department of Primary Industries for the Strathfield Local Government Area
- Tree is dead
Exempt trees
There are trees that can be removed no matter what their size or condition as they are considered a pest by your local council. The above-listed conditions do not apply.
Does my council have an exempt tree list?
Yes, see table below
Common Name
Sumac
Privet
Rubber
Umbrella
Commercial fruit tree varieties.
Botanical name
Illegal Tree work
When you work on trees by local tree services that are regulated by the council or significant you are guilty of an offence.
You will be fined up to $1.1 million by the Land and Environment Court. In other cases, you may be required to replace the trees.
Who removes or maintains public trees?
Any trees growing on public land, streets, parks and reserves are owned by the council. As a result, any work required on such trees is carried out by the council.
What about Pruning?
In the same case as tree removal, you are required to get a permit from the council to prune trees. Here is a link to the application form.
https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/assets/Forms/TREE-REMOVAL-PRUNING-APPLICATION-NOVEMBER-2019.pdf
Tree removal and pruning fees
When you are applying for any tree work permit expect to pay the following fees.
- DA Tree Removal Notification – $295
- Development Application for Tree Removal – $110
- Tree- Review of Determination – $220
- Tree Pruning Application – $133
- Extension of Approved Tree Work – $53
Removal of a neighbour’s tree
In case you need to remove or work on a neighbour’s or friend’s tree then you need a permit where necessary.
In addition to that, you will have to provide consent from the owner together with the application form.
How to apply for a tree removal permit
https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/assets/Forms/Tree-Removal-Pruning-Application-Oct-2017.pdf
Go to the above online form and fill it out to make a formal request for tree removal approval.
Strathfield Council contact details
Phone: 0297489999
Mailing Address: PO Box 120, Strathfield NSW 2135.
Website: https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au
Strathfield Tree Preservation order - TPO
The above is a summary of your local Councils tree preservation order.
Please follow the link for the full document.
https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/residents/trees/tree-pruning-and-removal/
FAQ's
There are a few ways to go about it. You should always go for a qualified arborist with plenty of experience. Make sure they have more than 20 reviews online and have a minimum score of 4.5 stars or great.
We can match you with a top-voted tree removal service in Sydney here. Just enter your postcode and a few details about your tree job and get 3 obligation-free quotes from the local top voted contractors.
The cost to remove a tree will depend on a few different factors. Things like the size of the tree, number of branches, the species and location on your property will all play a role.
The average cost of tree removal is $871. But the real range is $225 – $4,500. Make sure you get at least 3 quotes before deciding on one company.
Tree removal and pruning is difficult to quote just by a description over the phone. Same goes for sending pics of the tree. This is because it is hard to gauge the actual size of a tree from images as well as look at access for machinery. An on-site inspection is needed to make sure you are given a fair price.
You may prune any branches that are hanging over your yard from your neighbour’s side, just as long as you are working within the cities Tree Preservation Order.
You may remove your neighbour’s branches, but if it violates council tree pruning laws, you will get a fine. You are best speaking to a local arborist first before proceeding.
Tree trimming will vary depending on the tree, number of branches and access. The average price of tree trimming is $429, but that the true price range is $75 – $1,800.
You can check out our Tree Trimming Cost Guide here to get a better idea of tree trimming cost by tree size. Or you can use this Free Service and compare local top rated tree service actual quotes.
